Film reviews

Oppenheimer Review

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The technological and cinematic abilities of the mind of filmmaker Christopher Nolan are on full display in Oppenheimer, a film that also takes us deep into the mind of J. Robert Oppenheimer, thanks to actor Cillian Murphy.

In Oppenheimer, Murphy brilliantly displays the genius and also the egotistical attitude and drive toward success that were the hallmarks of Oppenheimer, often called the “father of the atomic bomb”. Oppenheimer is relentless and harrowing while driving forward with its true events story, but will it be the blockbuster that we have come to expect from Christopher Nolan?

Oppenheimer starts with Oppenheimer’s early life and his days of schooling and science. Oppenheimer is not a common student. He is bright in the classroom, but he is also focused on his success outside of academics. In school and beyond he is all about science and physics and theories, and his projects have meaning. Oppenheimer’s research gets the attention of higher officials, and eventually he is put in charge of the development of the atomic bomb. Much of the first half of the film focuses on Oppenheimer’s problems developing the atomic bomb. The uncharted territory begins after it appears he has accomplished his goal.

Oppenheimer jumps back and forth between his personal issues and his political affiliations with Jean Lewis Strauss (played by Robert Downey Jr.), who is the United States Secretary of Commerce. The personal issues involve his affair with Jean Tatlock (played by Florence Pugh), and his unfaithfulness to his wife Kitty Oppenheimer (played by Emily Blunt). Throughout these stressful scenarios, the atomic bomb project continues. US Army Corps of Engineers officer Leslie Groves (played by Matt Damon) is who assigns Oppenheimer the atomic bomb project, and they work together to develop it. This is where the film begins to be stressful. As the project hits plateaus, the screen burns with anxiety. The whole film is really just one haunting and mentally overwhelming thrill ride. It’s like a biographical history on acid.

Nolan’s use of 70 MM projection in Oppenheimer is invigorating and astonishing. His audience will feel they are in Oppenheimer’s world, his mind, and surrounded by the many frustrations that are in his life. This is simply one of the most daring true story films I have seen. But the film also burns with questions. Is Oppenheimer actually a bad guy? Is his development of the bomb a just cause? Will the bomb truly save lives? The creation of the bomb brings many unanswered questions, and it is spellbinding.

No one could play the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer better than Murphy. He delivers a performance showing the power of the man, as well as his brilliance. Murphy is faithful to the seriousness of the topic, and he seems to grasp the force of the film’s heavy theme.

Again, Oppenheimer is invigorating, and it definitely goes deep. It’s pace is in tune with its cinematography for a very dramatic effect. Christopher Nolan direction continues to succeed. Three and a half stars for Oppenheimer.

Critics Classics, Film essays, Film reviews

Select Pix Critics Classics at Classic Cinemas Elk Grove: Clue, The Karate kid, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day

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Critics Classics is presented by the Chicago Film Critics Association and takes place the first Wednesday of the month throughout the year. The screenings take place at Classic Cinemas in Elk Grove Village where they screen a variety of classics during matinees and evening screenings. After the evening screenings, the cinematic excitement is elevated thanksto a discussion led by a critic from the Chicago Film Critics Association. I have been fortunate my schedule has allowed me to attend the last three Critics Classics Screenings. Each movie experience followed by the discussion, has been cinematically enticing.

The first recent screening was the 1985 classic Clue. This mystery has humor, and the classic attitude of the characterizations are always witty and joyful. Watching this movie again was a hilarious and thought-provoking experience. In true murder mystery style, there are many pieces to the puzzle. The most invigorating part, however, was learning more from the discussion with the critics. I learned that there were many different endings to the movie. In fact, some formats of the film had different endings, and some never made changes. The theory of the changes in Clue made the film extremely entertaining and provided an enjoyable revisit to my early era of cinematic appreciation.

The second experience was the 1984 classic, The Karate Kid. For fans who love the series Cobra Kai, this movie offered a real treat. Revisiting the film made me realize why Cobra Kai followed diverse approaches in its series. What was even more interesting to me was learning from the discussion about the variety of approaches used in casting for the film. I also valued learning about the cultural side to discipline explored in the movie. Ultimately, the fact that this film experience reminds its young audience to find a positive inspiration in order to help overcome their struggles impacted me most.

The third (and the most crowded and nostalgic) was the 1991 classic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This movie made me feel I was experiencing something new for the very first time. I forgot about how this sequel to the franchise took Terminator to a whole new level. The crowd was really into the movie, and everyone knew the quotes which made it a true jam for Terminator fans. The discussion on the film’s budget, James Cameron’s directing techniques, and the in-depth use of technology were all captivating. Terminator 2: Judgment Day was a rollercoaster ride for cinema enthusiasts and critics like me.

The Select Pix Critics Classics at Elk Grove is a monthly experience that I do my best to attend. It keeps me in me in my cinematic mindset and never disappoints. If it’s a night where I do not have a press screening it is always a nice escape. I highly recommend other film lovers check their calendars and try to attend. There are many more classic events with discussions ahead. Hope to see you there!

Film reviews

Stephen Curry: Underrated Review

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Stephen Curry: Underrated is a slam dunk! The world of Steph is mind-boggling, invigorating, and his story is one-of-a-kind. As an avid basketball fan, I fell in love with this documentary. Stephen Curry: Underrated displays championship moments at their finest with honest and real elements during his career. With Steph having won NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, the film is the backstory to the champion he is today. There is no doubt that his story is one that generations will remember forever.

The film focuses on the beginning era of Steph’s career including the early days of growing his love for basketball during his childhood.  Steph has a special skill set. He can shoot well and get consistent three-point shots which contribute to his ability and agility as a basketball player. The only real aspect that makes him different is his size. He is not a very tall player, but Steph has the moves to play a competitive game. This film includes many highlights from championship games which illustrate the way Steph plays.

The film also has interviews with his teammates ranging from Jason Richards to Brandon Payne to Kevin Durant. They all talk about their experiences on the team and the road as players dating back to Davidson College. The film focuses heavily on their college games. This leads to the steps into the NBA for Steph. However, the one who adds the most emphasis to the film’s positive themes is coach Bob McKillop. The words of McKillop add empathy that is powerful in exploring the ups and downs of the journey he had with Steph and the rest of the team.  Steph helped turn Davidson College into a school with a following. That is because the community, the college, and the students worshipped him as a pro college player.

Even though Steph was on the road a lot, he still made school a priority. The film emphasizes moments when he wants to get his degree, but basketball is always a bigger priority for him. In the eyes of Steph, he wants to serve as a role model for his family, his friends, and his fans around the world and send a message about never giving up. Stephen Curry: Underrated does not give veer off message but retains a sincerity in this true story. The film effectively communicates the importance of considering all the competing factors when pursuing a pro sport you’re passionate about.

What is invigorating about this documentary is its display of how Steph’s story is not only about basketball, but also about not giving up. There are rough roads for Steph and the team at Davidson. The film shares the moments of turmoil and frustration. Losing, however, only inspired Steph and his team to keep finding ways to make their game matter on the court. It is all about teamwork and thinking about the ones who are vital to success in Stephen Curry: Underrated. Victory is the center of triumph, and it is a monumental story which will leave viewers with great respect for the life of Steph Curry. Four stars.

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